It seems we can't go more than a day or two without some tantalizing - and somewhat frustrating - news about a possible 4K UHD Blu-ray double dip on the horizon.
The latest in this neverending saga of physical media has to do with Kino Lorber Studio Classics and their proposed plans about possibly, maybe, doing a 4K UHD Blu-ray release of The Good, the bad, and the Ugly. Yeah, this news drops just a month or two after their already impressive 50th Anniversary Blu-ray release. But here's the kicker, on the Studio Classics' Facebook page, they're giving us the fans the deciding vote! All you have to do is select Happy for "Yes" or Hate for "No." They're not letting folks add to the comments thread so don't try - just let your emotional symbol flag fly.
Before you get too excited - or too angry - this 4K UHD release would only be available for the 179-minute extended cut from the MGM 4K master - not the recent cooler color grading that Kino did. Why this is, I have no idea. But thems the rules.
If this is a sticking thorn for you, bare in mind, participation in this may dictate future releases in 4K. Kino is on deck to release A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More on Blu-ray from fresh new 4K restorations. How cool would it be to get those on a good and proper 4K UHD Blu-ray? Kino Lorber Studio Classics is pumping out some top tier titles these days and I for one am favorable to this release - especially if it means there's a chance at future 4K UHD titles. We know studios aren't too keen on their back catalog titles these days so if Studio Classics can step in to fill the 4K UHD void on that front, I think they should get all the encouragement they can get. But that's just my piece of the pie. If you want your voice heard - head over to Kino Lorber Studio Classics Facebook page and leave your Like or Angry.
We'll keep you posted as this develops.
Holy upside down double dip, Stranger Things fans!
Remember my review for that super cool VHS-shaped Blu-ray release of Stranger Things? Yeah, it wasn't that long ago. We even did an awesome unboxing video thinking that this release was going to be the final word on Netflix's ode to 80s science fiction/horror on physical media. Turns out that's not the case. As some lucky customers discovered at their local Target stores over the weekend, there is a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release on the way!
Yup, you read that right. Now, this isn't available in stores yet - or at least it shouldn't be. Apparently, some stores got their stock early, didn't know what they had, and put it out on shelves where some eagle-eyed shoppers knew something was a bit off and snapped them up before they were put away. I gave a call to all of my local Chicago-area stores and none of them had it in stock, but they confirmed to me that it is real.
If you're hunting and pecking around, here is the UPC number to ask for: 191764410522. The formal street date is also a bit of a mystery. One store told me their stock gets in on 11/27 and it's due out 11/28. Another store told me it doesn't street until 12/5. So this is yet another stealth Stranger Things release that is leaving a lot of important details hanging out around Barb in the upside down.
If you're on the hunt at your local stores, the box art is slightly different with a new picture of Eleven front and center and instead of a uniform black color, there's white trim along the bottom with the box given the fake distressed look. On the back, the tech specs detail 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray - but no mention of HDR or Dolby Vision. UPDATE: Sources on other forums who purchased the set stated the tech specs match Netflix's streaming options for Season 1 -- 4K but NO HDR with a 5.1 Dolby Digital audio mix. However, since this will be a 4K release, Steve's hair will probably look better than ever!
When confirmed artwork and tech specs are made available, we'll update our listings and crank out a review and probably another unboxing video while we're at it. Until then, we'll keep you posted as this craziness develops.
